Vol. XXXVIII, No. 3, January 20, 2009

This Week at Valencia

Wednesday, January 21

College Operations Council, 9 a.m., West Campus, 6-202

Thursday, January 22

Academic Affairs Leadership Team, 8:30 a.m., DTC, Rm. 106 A/B

College Planning Council, 2:30 p.m., Winter Park Campus, Rm. 108

District Board of Trustees Meeting Summary

Reports

Osceola Campus Update - Silvia Zapico, Osceola Campus provost, welcomed trustees to the Osceola Campus which she said served close to 8,000 students for the fall semester. Dr. Zapico informed the board that the campus will host the Osceola Arts Festival on February 7 and 8, in conjunction with The Osceola Center for the Arts and trustee Ed Moore, executive director of the center.

Internship Program at Valencia - Dr. Zapico introduced Barbara Frazier, director, Internship and Placement Office (IPO). Ms. Frazier expressed her appreciation to the board for their support of active learning as provided by internships. She said that since 1996, the Internship and Placement Office has provided opportunities for 5,458 students to participate in internships in every college discipline except math. She said that a growing number of Associate in Arts majors are choosing to do an internship as part of their academic experience even though internships aren’t required as they are in the Associate in Science programs.

This year she said that the IPO saw an 8% increase in employers offering internships. The job developer for the Osceola Campus, Matthew Abalos, recruits new employers to increase opportunities for students. He said they rely heavily on Florida Hospital for internships for students in the health-related programs. Other employers Ms. Frazier highlighted for their strong partnerships with the college were Sea World, who has hosted over 200 students in their whale watch program.

Ms. Frazier made note of several service learning projects hosted by IPO, one in conjunction with the college’s Study Abroad Cultural Exchange program and another called the Honor’s Involvement Program under the direction of Melissa Pedone, dean, Mathematics and Science, Osceola Campus.

Ms. Frazer said that the work of the Internship and Placement Office extends beyond internships to include efforts to prepare students for the workforce as well as job placement resources for students and employers. She reported a total of 2,420 employer inquiries and 2,417 student inquiries for internships and placement services assistance. In closing, Ms. Frazier said that these services provide students with a significant edge in the employment field and benefit employers in recruiting new talent.

Osceola Student Government Association Report - Dr. Zapico introduced Osceola SGA president, Amanda Raver, who gave a short presentation on recent SGA activities. Ms. Raver said that the SGA hosted an Election Awareness Week which included a town hall with state representatives John Quinones and Darren Soto. The Osceola SGA also held a mock election with booths to help students practice voting and an Obama versus McCain debate with student debaters from Valencia and UCF. Ms. Raver said that during their Hobnob, they succeeding in getting 500 students registered to vote.

Construction Report - Keith Houck, vice president, Administrative Services, said that Building 8 on West Campus was almost complete and will open in February. He also showed photos of the new joint-use building (Bldg. 11) on West thatis on schedule to be open for the fall term. Interior renovations in buildings 1, 3, 4, HSB and SSB are continuing, Mr. Houck reported.This space, which was previously usedby departmentsthat have moved to the newAllied Health Building,isbeing re-purposed to meet other educational needs. Mr. Houck closed his presentation with an update of the East Campus north parking project, which is nearing completion.The project willhave repaved and reconfigured 1,480 existing spaces and added another 373 once completed.

Internal Auditor’s Report- Undria Stalling, board internal auditor, presented the"Tuition and Fee Revenue Audit, Academic Year 2008." The audit confirmed that state-reported student semester hours for credit courses were aligned with billable (or revenue-producing) hours as detailed in the college's operating system for the same courses.It also confirmed that tuition and fee revenue as recorded in the college's general ledger correlated to those billable hours. Systems and processes were working as intended in regard to tuition and fee revenue.

Faculty Association Report - Michael Shugg, president, Collegewide Faculty Association, said that Valencia’s faculty are in the process of considering a redesign of the general education core, with three options on the table for redesigning the distribution of credit hours. While the state of Florida and SACS set requirements for the general education curriculum, Mr. Shugg said the state allows colleges the latitude to expand the general education core to three more credit hours. Mr. Shugg said the current process is largely to look at whether some newer disciplines might have a stake in the general education core such as information literacy (which he defined as access to information) and information technology. The real work for faculty, he said, is the assessment of outcomes, both in terms of individual student achievement and program-level outcomes.

Mr. Shugg said that faculty are also considering changing the college’s withdrawal policy and will first look at how they would establish a process to do so. Lastly, Mr. Shugg said, faculty are looking at establishing an alternative textbook task force to study options that exist to traditional text books as a way to limit costs to the student.

Recognition of Osceola School Board Member- Trustees shifted gears to recognize recently elected Osceola County School Board member Julius Melendez who was in attendance at the board meeting. Mr. Melendez is a graduate of Valencia.

President’s Report - Sanford Shugart, president, shared a presentation he had given to the Orange County Legislative Delegation the previous day, on which Channel 9 (WFTV-TV) reported in the 5:00 p.m. newscast. The president’s presentation showed that fall full-time equivalent enrollment (FTE) had seen a 16 .5% increase in the last two years. At the same time that such dramatic growth was occurring, Dr. Shugart said, state funding was shrinking. He said that total revenues per student have declined dramatically, and the gap between what Valencia receives per student and what state community colleges receive on average is widening. Also, costs are shifting from the state to the student. In fact, in 2000-01 the state provided 59.6% of the college’s revenues.

Before the budget cuts this year, Dr. Shugart said, the percentage of state support had dropped to 49.3%, almost equal to the percentage of revenues contributed by student fees. Another pressing issue related to enrollment growth are capacity shortages as reflected in gross square foot per FTE. The president said that while there had been some improvement, the colleges in high density areas like Valencia’s continue to be underfunded.

“Valencia is by far the most efficient community college I’ve ever seen,” he said, in terms of the fact that not only are classes full but overall schedules are full as well. Dr. Shugart said that Building 4 on Osceola Campus is the college’s top priority for PECO funds, and he sought the board’s help to secure legislative support for this project. To get to the state average of 188 Gross Square feet per FTE, Dr. Shugart said, we’d need to duplicate the West Campus and have it up and running today.

On another topic, Dr. Shugart informed the board that the college will be going out to the market to identify and solicit proposals from employee health insurance providers. Concerns were cited about the current health care consortium’s plan, including growing costs to families, few incentives for employees in good health, and worries that premiums may double in the future due to the consortium’s business model. Dr. Shugart said that college staff are negotiating with a consultant who will assist in soliciting and evaluating proposals from the market. Staff will bring a recommendation to the board in June or July, with the aim of making a decision to take effect with the January 2010 calendar year. The president said that the goal is to control costs over time without reducing benefits to employees. Many employees, he said, have expressed dissatisfaction with the current health care plan. 

New Business

Consent Agenda – All items under new business were approved under the consent agenda including: Valencia Foundation Audit; Valencia Enterprise courses and Fees; Human Resources Agenda; Submission of Grant Proposals; and Property Deletion.

Payroll News

A comprehensive, printable pay stub is now available through Employee Self Service in Atlas. We will continue to print direct deposit stubs through the February 6 payroll so you can compare your payroll information to your online stub.  Beginning with the February 20 payroll, your direct deposit stub will only be available online through Atlas and a paper pay stub will no longer be printed and distributed. To access the online pay stub you must:

1. Log into ATLAS.
2. Navigate to the "Employees" tab.
3. Select “Pay Stub (by payday)" under Employee Services, Pay Information.
4. Select a pay stub year from the pull-down menu and click "Display."
5. Click on the pay stub date for the pay stub you wish to view/print.

Please distribute this information to all of the employees in your department.  Please be sure to include part-time, student and Adjunct employees in your distribution. If you have questions or comments, please contact Joe Livingston, ext. 8069, or Bettie Cooper, ext. 8100.

Watch for more information about Learning Day 2009 being held February 20 on the East Campus. Brochures will be sent out in February.

Leadership Valencia

WebCT Essentials - ONLINE This project-based course will introduce you to all the new tools inside CE 6 and show you how to develop a new or improved WebCT-component using the new system. Topics covered include learning the interface for CE6, basic course design, presenting content to students, communication and assessment tools. Optional orientation is available online from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on January 20. Please contact Eddie Howell, ext. 1996 for additional information. Registration Code: TWEBE-1

Brown Bag Lunch Reading Circle: Learning Journeys, Session IV - During this session, we will discuss Chapter 31: “How Truth Can Lead to Falsehood.” Bring your lunch and join us as we delve into this exciting book about learning and leadership. Learning Journeys offers rich lessons on learning to lead, overcoming setbacks, becoming open to change, Mentoring, developing self-awareness, and more. January 20, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., East Campus, Room 8-105D, Registration Code: PBBLJ-4

Selected Topics in Learning Technology-Case Study Approaches for Podcasting - This is a face-to-face informational workshop on the application of case-based and problem-solving approaches to Podcasting, January 22, 1:30-2:30 p.m., West Campus, Room 6-326A, Registration Code: TPOD-1

Second Life Series, Virtual Worlds in Education - ONLINE -Creating, Scripting, and Interacting with Second Life. This course requires a Second Life account (free sign-up at www.secondlife.com) and will be using the Second Life application. This course will introduce you to the world of Second Life and its history including how to modify your avatars appearance-- how to walk, fly and teleport-- how to find your way around-- interacting, beginner to advanced topics in building and scripting and how the Second Life economy works. This course is essential if you want to use the virtual world effectively. This course will meet every Thursday between January 22 and February 26. Class time is 2-5 p.m. and will be REPEATED the same day from 5-7 p.m. You may attend either session for credit, as long as your attendance is recorded. Class is held on West Campus, Room 6-326A (NOTE ROOM CHANGE), and simultaneously in Classroom 1, Valencia's virtual campus. (teleport directly from here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/EduIsland 4/174/198/24/) Registration Code:TSLS-1

Banner Finance for Beginners - Learn how to look up your budget, create budget transfers, create requisitions, and research your budget and spending, February 6, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Winter Park Campus, Room 134, Registration Code: TBFB-2

Making Sense of Your Data With Excel - Overwhelmed with data? Learn how to make sense of your spreadsheets with Excel tools. This hands-on workshop will cover Excel topics including filtering, sorting, conditional formatting, charts and graphs, pivot tables, mail merge, and more. Choose from one of the following:

• February 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m., East Campus, Room 4-133, Registration Code: TMSDE-1
• February 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m., West Campus, Room 6-326A, Registration Code: TMSDE-2
• February 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Osceola Campus, Room 2-116, Registration Code: TMSDE-3

Universal Design in Education: From Principles to Practice - This workshop will explore how Universal Design can create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students. Discussion and activities are focused toward providing suggestions for improving accessibility of courses and services that will take into consideration the diverse learning styles, abilities and disabilities of students. Discussion will include information on relevant legislation, principles of universal design, and specific ways to create inclusive classroom environments. Participants will leave with ideas of how to incorporate practical universal design strategies to their instructional practices. February 10, 2-4 p.m., West Campus, Room 6-202, Registration Code: LUDE-1 or February 19, 2-4 p.m., East Campus, Room 8-234, Registration Code: LUDE-2

Please be sure you have the approval of your direct supervisor prior to registering for a workshop. If a workshop is canceled, only those registered can be sent a cancellation e-mail. To view the status of a particular workshop and see a full listing of our Spring Workshops check the Leadership Valencia calendar located online. To register for all classes go to /leadership/.

News from Procurement

Second Annual Sustainability Meeting & Trade Show - Your Procurement Department along with Facility staff will host the second sustainability information meeting and trade show on Tuesday, March 3. See what the College and other businesses are doing to support environmentally preferred products and services which have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment. All are welcomed! This year’s festivities will take place in the new ‘green’ building 8 on West Campus. Refreshments will be provided along with great door prizes! Watch the Bulletin for further details.

Vendor Solicitation - It seems in today’s economy, the College is being bombarded with overzealous sales persons who are seeking business opportunities regardless of the need. While the Procurement office is prepared to field the daily vendor calls and requests, we understand that departments are also feeling this pressure. Please direct any vendors to our office. We hold monthly Vendor meetings to inform companies how Valencia conducts business. It is good, useful information and the vendors are appreciative of our time.

 Truth or Myth?  (answers follow)

1. If you are using Grant money (Fund 2), you are not obligated to obtain three quotes if the item/service you are purchasing is over $3,500.
2. The Shipping & Receiving department and Mail Services department have been combined and renamed: Courier Services
3. All copies are free on departmental copiers.
4. Account Codes (General Ledger codes) are used to track purchases and are reportable to the State.
5. The Procurement Card is really an American Express Card in disguise.
6.  Employees can also be 1099 vendors for the College.

Answers:

1. Myth. No matter what the funding, three quotes are required for any item/service over $3,500.
2. Truth
3. Myth.  All copies cost the college money. While the Service Agreement includes a number of copies, overage is paid for additional copies. 
4. Truth
5. Myth.  The Procurement Card is a Master Card.
6. Myth.  Employees cannot be 1099 vendors. All payment is through payroll.

Important PCardholder Reminder - Although your credit card limit is based on your budget, the 2 systems (Banner and PaymentNet) are separate entities.  You may have credit available on your P-Card, but there is insufficient funding in your budget.  Always check your Banner budget before weekly downloads.

Accounts Payable Request

When submitting paperwork to accounts payable, please try not to use staples to attach backup. Tape all receipts and back-up information on the back of the paperwork or on a clean piece of paper or use binder clips or paperclips, when necessary. Invoices, check requests, per diem, travel requests and any other paperwork sent to AP needs to be scanned.

We will be able to process your requests in a more timely fashion if you avoid stapling your paperwork. Thank you for your help on this issue.

2009 is the time to put down those cigarettes for good. Join us beginning February 3 on West Campus for a program to stop smoking. Classes will meet every Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. for five weeks. Please reserve your spot by emailing Debi Jakubcin at djakubcin@valenciacc.edu. 

Spring wellness classes begin this week and end April 24. For a list of all the classes being offered and Brown Bag sessions for Spring please visit the Wellness webpage at http://valenciacc.edu/ wellness/ and click on the events link.

The following is a brief description of several new classes being offered:

Qigong - A stress reduction and relaxation response practice, is the art and science of combining breath with sincere movement and meditation to cleanse, strengthen and circulate life force energy. Possible benefits include: relaxation in body and mind, inner peace, improved overall health, reduction in pain, increased flexibility and enhanced mental clarity. 

Monday Stretch:  Do you find yourself sitting, focusing your attention on the computer screen for hours on end? Come take a 30 minute break and learn some gentle stretches to work out muscle tightness that can cause back or joint pain. Class will use standing and chair stretches and can comfortably be completed in everyday work clothes. These gentle stretches will help release muscle tightness, the body will relax and release both the mental and physical tension created from our stressful lifestyles. 

Body Morph and Boot Camp:  The main purpose of this class is to push participants to their limits helping them gain significant fitness results in all categories.  Increase strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness. The program is designed so that members of ALL fitness levels can participate.  

On January 7 West Campus hosted a regional Sunshine State Scholar competition. The Sunshine State Scholars Program, initiated in 1998, is a mathematics/science recognition program for high school seniors throughout Florida. The program provides an opportunity for every district in Florida to showcase its excellent student performance in mathematics and science. Fifteen best in math and sciences high school seniors from 11 counties, selected by their school districts, took a three hours exam to establish regional winners who advance to the state level. The top performers will represent the region on the Final competition on March 7-10th in Tallahassee where the Sunshine State Scholar of 2009 will be determined.

Words cannot express the sincere, heart-felt gratitude that we (the Martinez-Sanchez family) have for each one of you during the passing of our beloved son Walter. Your thoughts, prayers, donations, fellowship and kindness are and continue to be appreciated. We thank you for the love and support and ask the Lord to bless you all as HE has blessed us with you.

Love in Christ, Rosa Sanchez

Valencia Enterprises provides Meeting Services & Technology Labs for businesses and organizations. Every imaginable configuration for groups large and small:  smart classrooms, technology labs, boardrooms and executive learning/training rooms complete with wireless access, state-of-the-art equipment and hospitality services.

For internal Valencia groups and organizations, we can host your collaborative or planning meeting, based on availability. For all meeting requests, please contact VE’s Client Service Center at x. 6688, or send us an email at ve_info@valenciacc.edu.

Submissions to the Bulletin are encouraged, so please e-mail your achievements, awards, recognitions and relevant information for the college community to Mary Jane Jones in the Marketing and Media Relations office. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on Tuesday to be included in the following Monday’s publication. Mary Jane can be reached at mjones2@valenciacc.edu, ext.1017 or mc 4-34.